Disney theme parks are famous for a “bubble,” offering widespread transportation systems that keep guests immersed in the magic 24/7. And although millions of guests safely utilize these systems each year, several tragic incidents have occurred since Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort first opened their gates. Let’s take a look back at some of these accidents and how Disney has improved safety measures since.
Monorail Accidents at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
Fatal Attempt to Enter Disneyland (1966)
On June 17, 1966, 19-year-old Thomas Guy Cleveland from Northridge, California, attempted to sneak into Disneyland Resort during a Grad Nite event by climbing onto the Monorail track. He ignored several warnings from a Disney security guard about an oncoming train.
Cleveland eventually climbed down from the track onto a fiberglass canopy, but there wasn’t enough clearance. The 19-year-old was struck by the Monorail and dragged nearly 40 feet, ending in his tragic death.
Monorail Collision at Magic Kingdom (1974)
On February 14, 1974, two Walt Disney World Monorails collided at the Magic Kingdom station. Monorail Blue struck Monorail Red from behind as it exited the station.
One Monorail driver and two passengers were injured. Reports suggest the pilot of Monorail Blue was injured and later reassigned to a different role, but Disney Fanatic was unable to verify this information.
The Deadly 2009 Monorail Crash
On July 5, 2009, 21-year-old Monorail driver Austin Wuennenberg lost his life during a track switch mishap.
Monorails Pink and Purple collided at the Transportation and Ticket Center on the EPCOT line. Following the incident, Disney retired Monorails Pink and Purple and introduced Monorails Teal and Peach.
Lightning Strikes Monorail (2014)
On July 13, 2014, a lightning strike led to a power failure on the Walt Disney World Monorail system, leaving Monorail Gold stranded with 120 guests onboard. Reedy Creek firefighters evacuated guests. No one was injured.
Parking Tram Tragedy (1982)
On June 12, 1982, eight-month-old-old Cassandra Dee Lusinski from Muscatine, Iowa, tragically lost her life after falling out of a parking lot tram en route to the Magic Kingdom Park. Witnesses reported that the child fell as the tram was making a turn.
Watercraft Collisions: Accidents on Disney World’s Lakes and Lagoons
Fatal Boat Collision (1989)
On October 9, 1989, a tragic boating accident occurred on Walt Disney World Resort’s Seven Seas Lagoon. Patricia Schenk, 33, of Glen Cove, New York, was videotaping family members when her rented Sea Raycer crossed in front of the Kingdom Queen ferry boat.
A lawsuit filed by Schenk’s husband claimed that the Disney watercraft driver “wrongfully reversed the engines of the ferry boat,” throwing the mother of four into the water. Schenk suffered massive head, neck, and internal injuries, as well as several broken bones. Unfortunately, she died at the hospital the following day.
Watercraft Collision Leads to Severe Injuries (2010)
On April 28, 2010, 61-year-old Barbara Wormald suffered fractured ribs and a collapsed lung when the small watercraft she and her husband had rented collided with a Disney ferry. The Disney ferry driver observed Barbara’s husband, Michael Wormald, “driving recklessly” and put his own vessel in reverse as the impact occurred.
Michael “said he saw the ferry in the distance and thought it would move,” according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He swerved, but the two-seater rental boat collided with the ferry, rendering his wife unconscious.
The couple later sued Disney, claiming Michael was never adequately instructed on driving the two-seater boat and shouldn’t have been allowed to rent it.
Bus Accidents: Tragic Moments on Disney Roads
Bus Driver Critically Injured Near EPCOT (2010)
On March 23, 2010, Disney bus driver Jean Valentin suffered critical injuries when his bus collided with an empty tour bus near EPCOT.
Valentin, whose legs were crushed in the accident, was found partially at fault but later received almost $1 million after suing the other bus company. Eight other passengers sustained minor injuries.
Child’s Fatal Bicycle Accident at Fort Wilderness (2010)
On April 1, 2010, nine-year-old Chase Brubaker was tragically killed when he veered off the sidewalk into the path of a Disney Resort bus while riding his bike at Fort Wilderness Campground. The boy and a friend were biking to the hotel’s arcade when the incident occurred.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) later determined that underinflated tires on Brubaker’s bicycle may have contributed to the accident and said the Disney bus driver, a 30-year industry veteran, was not to blame for the tragedy.
Fatal Bus Collision on EPCOT Center Drive (2013)
On August 16, 2013, a Disney Magical Express bus rear-ended the car of 63-year-old cast member Solange Blain on EPCOT Center Drive. Blain was killed, and two Magical Express passengers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
The Magical Express, operated by Mears, transported Walt Disney World Resort guests between the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and their Disney Resort hotels. The service was discontinued in 2022.
Head-On Collision Near Animal Kingdom (2016)
On May 14, 2016, an SUV traveling on the wrong side of the road collided head-on with a Disney bus near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The SUV caught fire upon impact, and multiple people sustained injuries.
The driver, Megan-Hester Villalobos, along with her husband and 7-year-old son, were taken to a nearby hospital. Eight bus passengers also suffered minor injuries. Authorities later suspected that Villalobos had fallen asleep at the wheel.
Disney Commits to Safety After Tragic Accidents
Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have learned from tragic accidents and taken steps to improve safety. Here are some of the changes made over the years:
- Upgraded Monorail Systems: Modernized control mechanisms and increased safety protocols to prevent collisions. Guests can no longer ride in the front car of the Walt Disney World Monorail.
- Stronger Guest Safety Messaging: Increased signage, more precise audio instructions, and reinforced cast member training to ensure guest compliance with safety rules.
- Vehicle Enhancements: More advanced safety systems in buses, boats, and trams to minimize risks in the event of mechanical failures or human errors.
Due to the sheer scale of Disney Park operations, accidents—though rare—can still occur. Disney remains committed to continuously improving its systems and ensuring guests can travel safely between theme parks, Disney Resort hotels, and other attractions.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a transportation issue at Disney? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
